National ACE

This week we will be featuring the grand prize winners of our 2023 AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund grant, a program which supported 83 AANHPI restauranteurs nationwide with over $1.37 million in grant funding.

Jinah Ahn, owner of Sunhee's Farm and Kitchen, is a Korean American immigrant born in Incheon, South Korea and raised in upstate New York. She graduated from Boston College with a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies, and recently obtained her JD from Albany Law School.She was a case manager and taught English and employment education with Catholic Charities Community Services in New York City, and worked as a Job Developer at the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants in Albany. She then took her experience to start a social venture in the form of a farm-to-table Korean restaurant in Troy, New York. Sunhee's Farm and Kitchen opened in May 2016 and has since provided employment opportunities for immigrants as well as in-house educational services such as English classes and computer literacy programs with plans to add on legal services in the near future.

“Our goals and aspirations have evolved to think more about the long-term sustainability of the business and investments that would allow us to continue providing much-needed resources for our immigrant communities. That not only means expanding our English class programs and assistance for new immigrants, but it also means helping to redefine the restaurant industry as a whole, and normalizing benefits, work-life balance and professional development for our team members. It is oftentimes challenging for immigrant business owners to access resources, so it is my hope that Sunhee's can become a community resource that is both culturally and linguistically sensitive to the particular needs of the people we work with on a daily basis."

We are one week away from the 2023 Innovation Ecosystem Summit. This event for entrepreneur support organizations seeks to help build a more inclusive business community for and . Register here: https://hopin.com/events/2023-innovation-ecosystem-summit

Mayumi Market, a part of the Los Angeles flea market scene, has become a community for AAPI creators looking to sell their handcrafted goods. Started by Mayumi "Kat" Matutina, this monthly market brings together a variety of AAPI makers and buyers. As a monthly event, Mayumi Market had its first market in May and has since grown over the past months, having its biggest day of 2,700 in October. Matutina seeks to make it an even bigger and more regular event going forward, allowing more visibility and opportunities for these AAPI small business owners. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/49Y8Zdq

Congratulations to National ACE board member Bill Imada!

🌟 Congratulations to , IW Group’s visionary founder, for his induction into the  Advertising Hall of Fame!
 
 

The Invest in America agenda is mobilizing historic public and private sector investments in infrastructure, clean tech, and the reshoring of advanced manufacturing and creating unprecedented contracting opportunities. Contracting with the private, public, and nonprofit sectors presents a large opportunity for diverse and small businesses, and promotes the growth and competitiveness of the U.S. economy.

We explored businesses' contracting experiences and their readiness to compete by partnering on a new survey with and 13 other organizations. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3T58Q1D

Public Private Strategies Institute
Disability:IN
Initiative for a Competitive Inner City
NAWBO
NGLCC - The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce
NCAIED - National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development
National Minority Supplier Development Council
The National Urban League
United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
NaVOBA
WIPP
Veteran Women's Enterprise Center
U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.

The extends the financial help that lowered Marketplace premiums. 4 out of 5 customers can find a plan for $10 or less: some even $0. Discover the different plans and at: https://www.healthcare.gov/get-coverage
Medicare

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) & Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) have created a webinar series, titled ‘Invest in America: Small Business Tools and Resources’, which focuses on educational resources business owners and leaders can utilize regarding laws that were created to help their businesses thrive in today’s economy. Business owners are able to learn more about the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS Bill, and other Biden-Harris Administration Priorities that are investments across America.

This collaboration is a virtual webinar series aimed at connecting small businesses to SBA resources, as well as other government agencies, philanthropies, and other small business community resources and networks. Register here: https://publicprivatestrategies.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MfhDo4DSSL-Dk6criZW44A?ceid=&emci=b84395f5-2777-ee11-b004-00224832eb73&emdi=ea000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001 #/registration

Thear Suzuki, National ACE Board Chair on the cover of D Magazine for the 500 Most Powerful Business Leaders. Congratulations, Thear!

From D Magazine: "Both under 5’ and fellow Cambodian-Americans from humble beginnings, we are proof that leaders come in all shapes and sizes. As an amazing wife, mother of 3, managing counsel, writer, speaker, and philanthropist - she is just getting started."

Did you know that a record-breaking $14.6 million small business applications have been filed since 2021? A new report from the White House in honor of Small Business Saturday has given exciting new statistics about the state of small businesses in America. $100 million dollars have been invested by the U.S. Department of Commerce into the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to support small business accelerators via the Capital Readiness Program. $50 billion was also delivered to small businesses from the Small Business Administration (SBA) in 2023, with major increases in support for underserved businesses, including minority-owned businesses. Learn more about these statistics here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/11/21/fact-sheet-ahead-of-small-business-saturday-biden-harris-administration-announces-latest-steps-to-support-small-businesses/

With increased financial help, now 150,000 have access to a plan for $0 a month. This will continue for 2024 health coverage due to the . Enroll today & ! https://www.healthcare.gov/get-coverage
Medicare

Today is ! Tag some of your favorite and their shop below so we can find some new places to support.

The team at National ACE wishes you all a Happy Thanksgiving. May this season bring joy, peace and belonging to your family.

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder and Taiwanese American Corbin Carroll wins NL MLB Rookie of the Year. "Just bringing some pride and attention to Taiwanese baseball and that side of my heritage, I take a lot of pride in that," said Carroll. Carroll is the first person of Taiwanese descent to play in the World Series

Join The Outpost's upcoming webinar where we'll venture into the wild world of SBIR Phase III funding agreements. Often referred to as the "keys to the kingdom," these agreements offer startups and small businesses unparalleled advantages while benefiting federal government organizations that fund them.

Hosted by Gary White, Strategic Acquisition Advisor and retired Innovation Division Director at GSA Innovate, this webinar is sure to clarify SBIR Phase IIIs and reveal their true simplicity.

📅 Date: Tuesday, November 21, 2023

🕓 Time: 11:00 am PT / 2:00 pm ET

Don't miss this opportunity to gain a clear understanding of the potential these agreements hold for your innovation journey. Register now: https://bit.ly/46kc44k

A new study by the Associated Press shows nearly one in three US Asians and Pacific Islanders experienced racial abuse in the last year, and the FBI reported a 7% increase in hate crimes in the last month. Members of the AAPI community hope the results of this study will increase awareness of the hate experienced for AAPI individuals and lead to a stronger opposition to anti-AAPI hate. Learn more about the study here: https://bit.ly/49Jjl0k

Thanks to the , increased financial help will continue for 2024 coverage.

All HealthCare.gov plans cover 10 essential health benefits & a variety of preventive services at no cost. Learn more & at: https://www.healthcare.gov/get-coverage

A recent study by Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta (AAAJ) found that new voting laws in Georgia (specifically SB202) disproportionately affected AAPI members of the population. According to the study, Asian-American voters are more than twice as likely than white voters to have their absentee ballots rejected. A more comprehensive understanding of mail-in ballot requirements, including translated materials, and an increase in ballot drop-off locations could help lower the percentage of rejected ballots from the AAPI community and increase representation of AAPI voices in elections. Read the whole study here:https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f0cc12a064e9716d52e6052/t/6542bae936271a4516ea192a/1698872043810/AAAJ-Atlanta_AAPIVotingReport_final_PR_JL_Edited_Final+v4.pdf

Taika Waititi's new film "Next Goal Wins" celebrates the American Samoa soccer team, once famous for an infamous loss in a World Cup Qualifying match, losing 31-0. The movie follows Dutch-American coach Thomas Rongen's attempts to train the team as they hope to qualify for the 2014 Fifa World Cup. The movie will release on November 17th. Learn more about the film here: https://bit.ly/3SwuYSt

Join National ACE board member Pat Fong Kushida for the Sacramento-Yolo Business Growth Convening Series on November 29th. This is a dynamic gathering of local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. While the convening goal is to identify business projects that 1) are eligible for California Job First (previously known as CERF) funding or 2) need minimal technical assistance to ready them, it is also a platform designed to facilitate knowledge sharing, foster collaboration, and network opportunities that can propel your business forward. Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/3u9w5NG

Here are 5 tips on how your company can best avoid some AI pitfalls

1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of AI
To demystify AI, you should familiarize yourself with basic terminology, the significance of training data and the different types of models and machine learning algorithms out there. This knowledge will also help you seriously assess any AI tools you might consider using in your business.

2. Resist the urge to rush ahead
AI must be implemented with care, especially in external-facing areas like customer service. A botched roll-out of an AI-based customer communication tool, for instance, will do more long-term reputational damage than a longer delay in adopting it.

3. Understand the liabilities and limitations of AI tools
Generative AI models are liable to misinterpret colloquialisms, neglect cultural context and fail to consider nuances in professional jargon. One way to mitigate this is to employ advanced contextual reasoning AI models and models that integrate structured knowledge bases.

4. Identify sensitive domains
When a customer has a complex question that requires an understanding of information fragmented across different conversations, it will most likely require a human agent to handle it.
Similarly, when an upset or agitated customer reaches out, relegating them to an AI agent can amplify these negative emotions, especially if the AI gives responses that, while correct, can easily appear uncaring or callous.

5. Invest in meticulous brand calibration
The voices of successful brands — the tone and manner in which they communicate with customers — are instantly recognizable and consistent. When you implement AI, it's crucial to ensure that it's capable of reproducing your voice

Learn more about how to best use AI at entrepreneur.com/science-technology

A full AAPI cast will perform the music from the show "Allegiance" at the supper club 54 Below in New York City. "Allegiance", currently premiering in London, tells the life story of Star Trek actor and Japanese American George Takei. The concert will take place on November 27 at 7 PM and is directed/produced by Flynn Jungbin Byun, with music direction by Rose Van Dyne. Learn more about the concert here: https://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/Full-AAPI-Cast-to-Perform-54-SINGS-ALLEGIANCE-at-54-Below-20231107

What is Diwali?

Deepavali (or Diwali) is a 5-day Hindu festival celebrated every year during the months of Ashvin and Karitka (mid-October tomid-November). The night of Diwali is observed on Amavasya, the 15th day of Kartik (November 12th this year)

Derived from the Sanskrit words dīpa, which means “lamp” or “lantern”, and āvali, which means “row” or “series”, Diwali is celebrated with the lighting of diyas, or oil lamps.

The festival celebrates a number of deities, but mainly focuses on Lord Rama, an incarnation of the god Vishnu. Rama returned back to his kingdom after a 14 year exile, and the citizens of his kingdom lit diyas to celebrate his long awaited homecoming.

Diwali also honors the Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of wealth and prosperity. Legend says she emerged from the ocean in an event called “Samudra Manthan” and chose Lord Vishnu as her husband, marrying him. This reinforces the significance of this festival

Today, celebrants fill their houses with diyas and colorful rangoli decorations. They will exchange gifts, wear new clothes, and eat sweets and festive meals. After sunset, during the time called “pradosh”, many will take part in the “puja muhurat”, or a special time of prayer specifically on Diwali

May this Diwali bring light, happiness, and prosperity to all who celebrate!

Join Public Private Strategies tomorrow for their webinar in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce, "Top Talent: How Can Small Employers Excel At Recruiting & Training?" These sessions are designed for small employers to hear from their peers and to learn about relevant research, tools, and resources available from government agencies, non-profit organizations, foundations, and others. Register here: https://bit.ly/46ObDjP

On December 13-14, the U.S. Small Business Administration will be virtually hosting its 2023 Innovation Ecosystem Summit. This year’s Summit will continue to connect organizations across sectors to learn from one another as we work together to build a thriving national innovation ecosystem that promotes equitable access to capital and resources for innovators nationwide. We hope that you are able to join us for this valuable experience. Register here: https://bit.ly/3Sr5LIR

Join the U.S. Small Business Administration and Chinese Mutual Aid tomorrow, Wednesday, November 9th, for a free webinar on how SBA programs and services can help your business start, grow and succeed with capital, counseling, and government contracting assistance. The webinar will be presented in Mandarin.

Register here: https://bit.ly/47kzrvz



十一月八日（星期三）下午三點到四點半

歡迎參加中文商業講座 “聯邦政府小企業部幫助您創業，發展，成功

講員：郭曼麗，經濟發展專員，聯邦政府小企業部 (SBA) 大紐約區辦事處

您將學習有關聯邦政府小企業部提供各種融資方案，諮商輔導，及爭取政府合約等協助。

On October 30, President Biden issued a landmark Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence. The Executive Order establishes new standards for AI safety and security, protecting Americans' privacy, and advancing equity and civil rights. The Order also promotes innovation and competition, advances American leadership on AI globally, and ensures responsible and effective government use of AI.

On Friday, November 3, 2023, National ACE and EY Ripples invested in our strategic partner network. Over 50 Chamber leaders and members of the small business community convened to build stronger leadership, define purpose and value, and ultimately support AANHPI entrepreneurs in our networks to build economic prosperity.

We know that culture is vital to overall strategy and performance. An EY survey of 100 board members of the Financial Times Stock Exchange of 350 companies found that 92% say that investing in their work culture has improved their financial performance. A good work culture leads to prosperity for your business and your people.

Here is a brief guide to applying for grants as a small business owner:

What's the benefit of a small business grant?
As a one-time, no-cost payment, grant money help entrepreneurs invest in a new piece of equipment or purchase additional inventory for the holiday rush. After all, the number one small business need is funding, and grants can provide the money needed to build capacity to support future success.

What types of grants are available?
- Government grants
- Non-profit grants
- Private grants
- Corporate grants

Where can I find available grants to apply for?
- https://bit.ly/3QjFUQx
- Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
- Hello Alice Small Business Funding Center
- Hello Alice Newsletter

Learn more about small business grants and how to apply for them here: https://bit.ly/3sjY2Ss

National ACE attended the 2023 Walmart Stakeholder Summit, which brought together diverse business and community leaders to learn about Walmart's commitments to supplier inclusion. Stakeholders were able to observe over 1,000 entrepreneurs pitching their products during open call, learn about Walmart's operations from various executives and departments, as well as offer their insights on how to best reach the most underserved communities.

Attend free small business events in November hosted by Verizon's Small Business Digital Ready Program.

New: Reach your audience with online advertising
Nov‌ember 7 | 12:‌30 PM - 2:‌00 PM ET
Learn to understand the behavior of your audience across platforms like Google search, Meta Suite and more.

Online reputation management
Nove‌mber 14 | 12:‌30 P‌M - 2:‌00 P‌M E‌T
Discover best practices to prevent, manage and eliminate negative reviews.

New: Crafting remarkable customer experiences
Nove‌mber 27 | 12:‌30 PM - 2:‌30 P‌M E‌T
Dive into the art of creating personalized journeys for your customers that will keep them coming back.

Register for the Small Business Digital Ready Program and these events here: https://vz.to/3M9H9k3

AAPI community members in Philadelphia's Chinatown have submitted a request for more information regarding the construction of a new 76ers arena in their district. The right-to-know requests have been submitted by the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) and the Advocacy for Racial Civic (ARC) Justice Clinic, organizations concerned about maintaining the historic Chinatown in Philly. “Community members deserve a say in decisions affecting their city, and part of that is knowing what’s been said by decision makers in the rooms they’re not invited into,” Annie Lo, Skadden Fellow at AALDEF, said in a press release. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/45Sr6hr

Source: AsAmNews

As AI use begins to expand, many business owners are finding it difficult to integrate AI into the regular processes of business they have become used to living in. Here are 11 challenges faced by many business owners:
1. Effectively bridging the skills gap
2. Leaders not addressing employees’ fear of job displacement
3. The need for critical thinkers
4. Knowing which tasks are best left to people
5. Over-relying on third party integrations
6. Losing empathetic costumer service
7. Leaders Not Having A Clear Understanding Of How AI Is Being Used In Their Organization
8. Identifying the correct problem to address
9. Finding AI applications that stand the test of time
10. Not adding a human element
11. Finding developed services to manage AI

Learn more about how to address these challenges here: https://bit.ly/3sbPkWg

Source: Forbes

Panethnic Pourovers, an AAPI-oriented nonprofit that is part-café and part-library, opened Oct. 21. Founder and Filipino American Emily Goroza created it as a location where the AAPI-community can come together and provide translation services for one another. It seeks to aid low-income community members. Learn more about their mission here: https://bit.ly/45MByak

Source: Boston Globe

FilAm Creative kicks off its inaugural Film Festival with 20 film screenings of work by Filipino American creators. The festival is taking place in Los Angeles, California on November 3rd and 4th. Learn more here: https://filmfreeway.com/FilAmCreativeFilmFestival

Seattle's Wing Luke Museum kicked off its new music exhibit this month highlighting AANHPI artists. "Sound Check! The Music We Make" is an interactive music exhibit featuring artists such as Kim Thayil and Hiro Yamamoto of Soundgarden, musician Roger Rigor, hip hop artist Geo Quibuyen of Blue Scholars, jazz drummer Akira Tana and Seattle singer/songwriter Carly Ann Calbero. The exhibit will be open through September 24, 2024. Learn more about "Sound Check!" here: https://bit.ly/4937IkG

Source: Yahoo!Life

Join us for our next webinar tomorrow at 2:00pm ET with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) to honor National Veterans Small Business Week and prepare for Small Business Saturday. Additionally, we will share resources about the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS Bill, as well as other resources for your business made available through the Biden-Harris Administration Priorities that are investments across America. RSVP at nationalace.org/events

The President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders will hold an in-person, two-day meeting on October 25 and October 26, 2023, to discuss full and draft subcommittee recommendations for submission to President Biden.

Co-chaired by Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and United States Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai, the 25-member Commission complements the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI), both of which were established by the President in May 2021.

RSVP here: https://bit.ly/495eUwI

Announcing $10,000 small business grants from Verizon. Give your business amazing opportunities for free. Join Verizon Small Business Digital Ready to access free courses, events and more. Plus, right now you can apply for $10,000 grants.

Here’s how to apply:
- Up your small business skills by completing any combination of 2 courses or events.
- Completion of courses or events must occur between 7.1.23 and 12.20.23.
- Apply by 12.20.23.

All applicants will be notified whether or not they’ve been chosen to receive funding.

Start your registration here: https://vz.to/3M9H9k3

Check out the upcoming webinars we have this week.

On Tuesday, October 24th at 2:00PM ET, the U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting Made in America: Semiconductor Production & the CHIPs Act

On Thursday, October 26th at 2:00PM ET, the U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting Investing in America: Honoring National Veterans Small Business Week & Preparing for Small Business Saturday

RSVP at nationalace.org/events